Sermon Notes
Making All Things New:
The Book of Genesis
Faith Obeys God
Scripture: Genesis 12:1-9
Rev. Reuben Foncardas
Abram’s example of obedience is a model for all believers to forsake all else to obtain the promised blessings of God and to serve Him by becoming a blessing to others.
—Thomas Constable
We learn three principles on oeying God from the example of Abram.
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1. Obey God’s call because of his character, not his plan.
• “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” (v. 1)
• What and who to leave behind is clearly spelled out. Where to go and the details as to what to do is to be revealed gradually as Abram obeys.
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2. Obey God’s call by fulfilling his intention, not our ambition.
• “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (vv. 2-3)
• God’s command to Abram was to go and be a blessing (vv. 1-3). God’s command to us believers is the same (Matt. 28:18-20).
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3. Obey God’s call relying on his power, not on our strength.
• “So he (Abram) built an altar there to the LORD, who appeared to him…There he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD.” (vv. 7b, 8b)
• Abram’s altars were more permanent structures than his tents. It served both as a reminder for Abram to depend on God by worshiping him, and as a witness to the Canaanites who were living in the land.
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The missionary mandate of the church does not begin with John 3:16 or Matthew 28:18–20.
It begins with God’s covenant with Abraham. We are blessed that we might be a blessing.
—Warren Wiersbe
Faith Obeys God
DTM | March 13th, 2021
March 13, 2022 • Rev. Reuben Foncardas • Genesis 12:1–9
The Power of Forgiveness
November 27, 2022 • Rev. Ho-Ming Tsui • Genesis 50
Sermon Notes Making All Things New: Book of Genesis The Power of Forgiveness Rev. Ho-Ming Tsui Scripture: Genesis 50 ——— What is God’s providence? The often-imperceptible work of God to fulfill his good purposes. God’s Providence in Scripture (Phil. 2:13; Eph. 1:11-12; Romans 8:28) ——— What does trusting in God’s providence practically entail? (Gen. 50:19-20) 1. Leaving the righting of wrongs to God: God’s providential work IN us (v. 19) 2. Seeing God work for our ultimate good - God’s providential work FOR us (v. 20) 3. Forgiving those who hurt you and showing gratitude (and even) affection - God’s providential work THROUGH us (v. 21)
On the Path to Humility
November 13, 2022 • Rev. Ho-Ming Tsui • Genesis 37
Making All Things New: The Book of Genesis On the Path to Humility Rev. Ho-Ming Tsui Genesis 37 Consequences of Favouritism ——— 1. Envy: Joseph’s brothers were filled with envy (v. 20) Two ways to handle envy a) Build yourself up b) Bring others down We say that people are proud of being rich, or clever, or good-looking, but they are not. They are proud of being richer, or cleverer, or better-looking than others. —C.S. Lewis ——— 2. Pride: Joseph puffed up with pride (v.9) ——— 1. How do avoid favouritism? A Word to Parents Are you shaping your children to believe that your love for them is predicated on their performance and behaviour? Is it consistently communicated to them that their parent’s love rises and falls on how they perform or behave? How you interact with others (including how your parent) exposes who you think God is. On a practical note… • Acknowledge that you have unique relationship with each child • Be proactive in showing love to each child • Craft out intentional family time ——— 2. How to I overcome envy and pride? A Word to Children Allow your heavenly Father to meet your deepest needs Learn to honour your parents — not idolize them. ——— Conclusion: Lean into the Father’s love…